Virago 24/7

Her voice has filled arenas alongside legends like Pink Floyd and Sting, but the most gripping part of Machan Taylor’s story is what happened offstage. We talk about the private weight that can live behind public success: imposter syndrome, loneliness on the road, and the long echo of childhood trauma. Machan takes us back to her earliest chapters, from being born in post World War II Japan to mov...

Overthinking can look like “being responsible,” but it often feels like your brain running laps with no finish line. I sit down with therapist and life coach, Katherine Flechaus, to get honest about the patterns so many of us live in: excessive worry, people pleasing, perfectionism, and that constant background fear of being “not enough.” Katherine explains how these habits usually start as protec...

Some stories don’t tie themselves into a neat bow. They pull you backward through memory, family, and the moments you’d rather skip, until you finally see what shaped you. That’s why I wanted to sit down with Annie Dike, author of “Clovis”, a character-driven coming-of-age novel that’s raw, funny in places, and unflinching where it counts. We talk about what’s rooted in Annie’s real life and what...

You can look “fine” and still be running on empty and your body will keep sending signals until you finally listen. I sit down with Dr. Alicia Newsome, physician, speaker, and women’s health advocate, to talk about what’s really happening when high-achieving women feel exhausted, overwhelmed, moody, and disconnected from their bodies, especially as hormones start shifting in perimenopause.  We dig...

Your brain tells you to be furious, scared, or ashamed and then your body follows. But what if those reactions aren’t “just who you are,” and what if you could turn down the emotional charge in minutes? We sit down with Stacey Nye, co-creator of the F.I.X Code, to unpack a simple, repeatable emotional clearing process that Stacey says works for everyone from CEOs and sales teams to school staff, m...

Some of the strongest women I know are the ones quietly unraveling in private, not because they’re weak, but because they’ve been carrying too much for too long. I’m joined by Vivian Moyo, a therapist and the founder of Moyo Wellness Therapy, to talk about emotional burnout, unspoken grief, and the way culture and family expectations can train us to stay silent even when we’re hurting. Vivian open...

You can have the affirmations, the routines, and the “strong mind” and still feel strangely disconnected inside. That’s the moment we lean into here: not more hustle, not another identity upgrade, but integration. I’m joined by Marvin L. Wilkerson, a spiritual coach, hypnotherapist, and astrologer with decades of experience helping people uncover karmic patterns, release emotional blocks, and alig...

What if peace isn’t something we pursue out there, but something we practice inside our own bodies first? We sit down with Barbara With—composer, author, peace activist, and psychic channel—to unpack a down-to-earth process for untangling conflict by separating emotion, intuition, and intellect. Her journey from the stage to “going into the nothing” reveals how creative listening trained her to no...

One choice can change everything. That’s the heart of this raw, unguarded conversation about alcoholism, binge drinking, bulimia, and the quiet rituals people use to cope with pain. I, along with Briana Deck, sit down with author and coach Colleen Clifford (Life Beyond the Binge) to unpack the 95/5 factor—the idea that most drinking nights seem “fine,” but the rare wild-card moment can upend a lif...

When love is on the line, panic makes smart people do reckless things. We brought in Dr. Becky Whetstone, a nationally recognized marriage crisis manager, to show how to stop the spiral, make clear choices, and protect your family whether you reconcile or part.  We walk through the moments that matter most: how to tell if change is possible, the difference between treatable issues and entrenched p...

The laughs hit first, but the truths land deeper. We brought the Men of Virago back to the table after a long gap to compare notes on love, loss, growth, and how to build a partnership that lasts. Justin shares career wins and the shock of discovering anxiety through therapy, Philip balances thriving work with the grief of losing loved ones, and Milky—now deep into dental school—opens up about fin...

We unpack how Mirko Beljanski’s environmental view of cancer led to selective plant extracts that target destabilized DNA, and how a SWAT raid in France sparked Sylvie Beljansky’s decades-long effort to prove, publish, and preserve this research. We share new findings on cancer stem cells, synergy with chemotherapy, and practical ways patients can access support safely and legally. • Mirko’s insig...

What if the secret to thriving in a male-dominated field isn’t louder toughness, but smarter design—of your leadership style and your whole life? That’s the throughline of our conversation with author and mechanical engineer Josee Tremblay, who turned three decades in STEM into a clear playbook for women building influence, authority, and a sustainable home base. We start with the real-world frict...

Ever wonder where to draw the line between romantic pursuit and something more alarming? This raw, unfiltered episode tackles a situation that started with a casual mention on our podcast and spiraled into something much more concerning. When Lyanette received an unexpected email from someone Shiney had gone on just one date with months ago, we decided to address it head-on.  The conversation dive...

After a summer break, the Virago 24/7 women reunite for a raw, unfiltered conversation about personal transformation. This episode strips away our usual format to make space for honest sharing about the journeys we've been on these past few months. Briana bravely opens up about her mental health struggles, revealing how she's navigating OCD in ways many don't understand. Beyond the...

Jessica's story is a testament to love's transformative power in the face of deeply entrenched cultural barriers. As a South Asian malayalee woman raised in a traditional household where arranged marriages are the norm, falling in love with a Black man meant choosing a path her family had never imagined for her. When she first told her parents about JP, their response was swift and absol...

We explore the powerful concept of "blooming where you're planted" and finding growth in seemingly stagnant seasons of life. This episode dives deep into how to thrive during waiting periods while preparing for future opportunities. • Summer adventures including Vegas, Jersey Shore, and Hawaii travel highlights • Unpacking what it truly means to "bloom where you're planted...

We ask ChatGPT to tell us uncomfortable truths about ourselves, resulting in surprisingly accurate and profound responses that leave us stunned, motivated, and ready for change. The AI's ability to "read us like a book" prompts deep discussion about how we hide behind excuses and avoid our full potential. • ChatGPT delivers personalized, brutally honest feedback to each host • Lyane...

Legacy means creating an enduring impact that lasts beyond your lifetime, leaving behind something valuable whether it's material possessions, values, or a memory of your character and impact. Philip shares the profound legacy of his spiritual mentor, Brian Mullen, who passed away two years ago in a snorkeling accident. • Brian lived out intentionality—remembering everyone's names, birth...

After 100 episodes of Virago, Lyanette Talley, reflects on the podcast's journey and the power of speaking your truth as a path to healing. A recent trip to Puerto Rico provided perspective on personal growth and the importance of reconnecting with your roots. • Celebrating Virago's 100th episode milestone • Why Lyanette chose not to air a previously recorded episode where a friend wasn&...

This episode delves into the journey of self-love, resilience, and community as the hosts, Lyanette, Shiney and Briana reflect on their personal experiences from the past few months of divorce, single motherhood, sobriety, and evolving relationships. They discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability and building connections while looking forward to creating supportive events in the future. •...

Briana and Shiney join me to explore the ups and downs of balancing career, family, and personal growth. As Briana reflects on the newfound joy of returning to work while managing the demands of family life, Shiney shares how surrounding herself with positive, like-minded individuals has been essential during challenging times. Through our conversations, we underscore the importance of setting bou...

This episode of Virago 24-7 takes you through our hosts' personal tales of gratitude, self-reflection, and growth, inspired by the thoughtful practice of the Jesuit Examen prayer. Join Lyanette, Shiney, and Briana as they shed light on embracing life's unpredictability, from the relief of good biopsy results to the comfort of supportive relationships in navigating personal trials and tri...

What if you could transform your life by embracing the power of indifference? On this episode of Virago 24/7, we are joined by our inspiring guests Shiney and Briana as we embark on an emotional journey through the complexities of co-parenting, personal growth, and finding empowerment amidst challenges. Briana shares her heartfelt story of navigating love, hate, and unmet expectations, while Shine...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a potential 10-year prison sentence into an inspiring story of transformation? Join us as we share a personal account of incredible journey through the demanding drug court program, a life-changing experience that tested resilience and strength. Witness a triumphant graduation, which brings home the profound impact of accountability, support, and second...